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Celtic looking for a miracle against Braga

Scottish giants Celtic need to do something they have not achieved in European competition in five years here on Wednesday

However, Celtic striker Gary Hooper believes they can still keep their dream alive by overturning the three goal deficit after they were overwhelmed 3-0 by the Portuguese side in the first leg of the tie last week.

Celtic have had an impressive home record in European competition on home turf in recent years but last season Dynamo Moscow, Arsenal and Hamburg all came away from Glasgow with a win.

Hooper, a summer signing from Scunthorpe United, made his debut against French side Lyon on Saturday and was on the scoresheet as the Old Firm side came from two down to claim a draw in their Emirates Cup game.

And he is adamant that Celtic can get the four goals they need to get to the play-off round if they score early.

“I think we’ve got every chance of getting through on Wednesday,” said Hooper.

“If we get in Braga’s faces and pass well there’s no reason why we can’t get a result with the crowd behind us. I’d love to play in that game.

“If we attack them and press really high, I think we’ll have no problem.

“If we get one, we’ll get through and win 4-0 I reckon.”

Teammate Daryl Murphy was on target against Arsenal on Sunday in the 3-2 defeat in the Emirates Cup.

It was the Irish international’s second strike since joining from Sunderland and he hopes it could fire him into contention for a starting role against Braga.

“I feel I’m ready to start on Wednesday,” he said.

“It’s up to the manager who starts against Braga but I’m ready for it.

“It’s helped me getting a goal against Lincoln and then another against Arsenal.

“I showed that when I’m up front I’ll get chances and I can take them.”

Having scored four in two games against quality opposition in their games at the weekend confidence is high amongst the Celtic camp that they could score enough to stage a remarkable turnaround.

However Murphy knows a clean sheet at the other end is vital if the Hoops are to stand a chance.

“We now have to tighten up for Wednesday because there is no room for error against Braga. We’ve given ourselves a mountain to climb after the result in Portugal.

“But with the fans behind us we’ll create chances but we have to keep them out at the back. A clean sheet is imperative.”

Hooper and Murphy could be in line to make their competitive debuts in the match at Celtic Park although recent signing Israeli international Biram Kayal was not registered in time for the match and will miss out.

Another player manager Neil Lennon looks set to be without is winger Aiden McGeady.

The Irish international has been the subject of a 9.5 million pounds bid from Spartak Moscow and has flown out to the Russian capital for signing talks, with Lennon admitting he has probably played his last game for the club.

Should Celtic fail to turn the tie around they will drop into the play-off stages of the Europa League.